Film History I - 1895-1950

Course available by Permission of Instructor
only.
Film History is a two semester survey of cinema
from its origins in the late 19th century to the
present day. The course emphasizes the
development of cinema aesthetics through the
study of works by major filmmakers and national
cinemas. The Fall semester covers the period from
1895 to 1950, focusing on both the evolution of
narrative filmmaking and challenges to that
style. The Spring semester is concerned with work
from 1950 to today, with particular attention
paid to the impact of neo-realism and the
proliferation of new national cinemas and
alternative approaches. The course is designed as
a yearlong sequence and is best experienced that
way, but students can begin the sequence in
Spring, take a single semester, or repeat
semesters to see alternate programming. Auditing
is encouraged depending on class size. The class
consists of lectures and screenings; after each
session a voluntary (but highly recommended)
discussion group meets to talk about that week's
films.

Requirements include strict regular attendance,
weekly readings, weekly short papers and a final
research paper.

Offered by Program in Film and Video. Required
of PFV BFA1 and EA BFA1. May be repeated for
credit.